Toy Drive at Cherry Street General Baptist Church

Thursday

Dec 13, 2012 at 5:00 PMDec 13, 2012 at 5:23 PM

Cherry Street General Baptist Church of Carmi is gearing up for their annual Toy Drive. The event, which is supported by members of the church, supplies toys to area children to ensure they experience all the joys of gifts over the holiday season.

Tammy Knox

Cherry Street General Baptist Church of Carmi is gearing up for their annual Toy Drive. The event, which is supported by members of the church, supplies toys to area children to ensure they experience all the joys of gifts over the holiday season.

"We've been offering this toy drive for a long time, probably 12 or 15 years at least," said Louie Browning, minister for the church. "Several of the church members have been involved with the drive for years. It's an opportunity for our church to provide toys to families in need in the area."

Browning was the original pastor of Cherry Street General Baptist Church when it was started in 1967. He later moved to Georgia General Baptist Church and retired several years ago. When the pastor left Cherry Street in September 2011, Browning stepped back in to fill the vacancy until the church finds a replacement.

Browning is joined by a solid group of volunteers from the church to make sure the toy drive is organized and completed from start to finish. The group began working on the project about six weeks ago and they are now ready to distribute the toys.

"We want to remind all families receiving gifts from us to pick up their toys Friday, Dec. 14," said Phyllis Mitchell. "Toys can be picked up between 2 and 8 p.m. at the church annex."

When organization for the toy drive began, several people got involved, including Bruce Stokes, who is currently at Wabash Christian Retirement Center. Stokes serves as the official "telephone operator" for the event and called all businesses, sponsors and individuals that stepped up to support the project financially.

"I don't know how many phone calls I made, but I did most of the calling in two days," said Stokes, longtime member of Cherry Street General Baptist Church. "I've always helped out with the drive and made all the phone calls last year, too. I made all the calls on my cell phone from my room."

Stokes lined up several sponsors and businesses to help support the purchase of toys that will be distributed to families. Families signed up by calling in and giving the names of their children along with their ages. Then, members of the church picked up items for the drive, just in time for the 2012 holiday season.

"We also wish to thank the businesses and individuals that so generously contributed to the success of our Toy Drive," said Mitchell. "Your contributions will lead to a better Christmas for dozens of local children who otherwise would have had a much meager Christmas."

In addition Mitchell, Stokes and Browning, members of the church involved in the toy drive include Charles Marler, Loretta Marler, Charles Preston, Janie Kimbrell, Jim Kingery and Jean Kingery.

Cherry Street General Baptist Church also invites everyone to join them for worship services. Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by services at 10:30 a.m. and an evening service at 6 p.m. Also, the church offers a Wednesday service beginning at 7 p.m.

"We cordially invite anyone that is not attending a church to join us," said Browning. "We will treat you so many different ways, you will have to like one of them."

For more information about Cherry Street General Baptist Church or the toy drive, call the church office at 382-7419.

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